Volume 3, Issue 9, September – 2018 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165

A Study on Current Status of Municipal Solid Waste

in Karur District, India
Vigneshkumar.B1, Amsaveni.M1, Dr.Palanivel.M2, Balakrishnan.M1, Ramesh.K1
PhD Scholar1, Associate Professor2
Department of Environmental Science,
PSG College of Arts and Science,
Coimbatore, TamilNadu, India

Abstract:- The intention of this study was taken upon to
view the current status of MSW in eleven Town
Panchayat of Karur District, through the estimation of
Physico-Chemical characteristics. Solid waste causes a
serious problem since it alters soil quality & ground
water quality. The amount of solid waste production is
rising day by day. Improper handling, segregation,
transportation, dumping, treating can cause adverse
environmental impacts, public health hazards and other
socio-economic problem. The city administration is
carrying out collection, transportation and open
dumping. The Physico-chemical parameters and heavy
metals were analysed. The present study investigation will
revealed a data of estimation about the nature and
amount of solid waste and also suggest composting is the
best way to treat the solid waste which could reduce the
quantity of solid waste at maximum and used as manure.
Perhaps this study may raise the social consciousness
amongst the people.
Keywords:- Solid Waste, Pollution, Physico-Chemical
Characteristics, Compost, Heavy metals, Ohai-EPA
Standards, Karur.
I. INTRODUCTION
Treating Solid Waste is one of the challenging issues in
India and it has developed as a notable pressure on the
environment. According to World Health Organization
(WHO), Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) contains all the
wastes it normally termed as “garbage” or “trash” is an
unavoidable byproduct of human and animal activities.
Garbage is highly put risible and trash is rubbish that
contains old refrigerators parts, couches and large tree
stumps. Solid waste is the undesirable or futile solid
materials comes from Residential, Commercial,
Construction, Institutional and Industrial and its contents
Organic material, Paper, Plastic, Cloth, Silt, Metal, Glass,
Polythene and Rubber. Making arrangements for and
actualizing an exhaustive program for waste collection,
transport, and disposal alongside exercises to prevent or
recycle waste can terminate these issues [1].
Owing to the population growth, impressed life style and
social status, the alteration in consumption habits and
communities pattern of population in urban centers [2].
In the year 2025, As per world bank study, urban per capita
waste management rate for most of the low income countries
will expand by roughly 0.2 kg/day [2].The amount of solid
waste quantity is enlarging in developed and developing
countries due to increasing population and rapid urbanization
and 90% of the MSW produced in India is specifically
arranged ashore in an appropriate way [3].
The MSW is managing by monitoring, collection,
transport, processing, recycling & disposal. The wastes
hierarchy includes preventing the generation of waste,
reducing by reuse, recycling and composting and finally
dispose to landfills and incineration. The direct dumping of
solid waste in open area spread diseases and affects
environment. MSW management is often given low priority,
mainly because disruptions and deficiencies effect on public
health, the uncollected waste deposited in drainage either by
natural or human activities. Improper disposal & handling of
solid waste in open areas causes serious health problems as
well as pollute the environment (Air, Soil and Water) [1].
While dumping the wastes raise the heavy metals level due to
batteries of hazardous waste. [4].
Many countries have succeeded in effective SWM
through strict environmental regulations and minimizing
generation with Refuse, Reuse, Recycling and Recovery.
Organic waste can be treated the soil and after that utilized as
a manure [5].
This study involves Segregation, Physico - chemical
and Heavy metal analysis of the different stages of solid
waste dumped in the Karur District. The aim of the study is
to understand how the changes in Physico – chemical
parameters and heavy metal concentration take place in
different stages and brings manure.
II. MATERIAL AND METHODS
A. Study Area
Karur is a city in the Kongunadu region of India in
state of Tamil Nadu. It is located on the banks of river
Amaravathi, Kaveri. It is Heart of TamilNadu state. Karur is
spread over an area of about 30.96 Km2 with the growing
population (0.85 millions in 1991 to 1.06 million in 2011) at
fastes rate because of many industrial activities. This city is
located at 10.95°N, 78.08°E and has an average elevation of
101met. The temperature ranges from a maximum 39°C to a
minimum of 17°C. It has average annual rainfall of 590-
600nm.
B. Sample Collection
The municipal solid waste samples used in this study
were collected from various sampling area in eleven town
panchayat in summer season. Cone and quadrant method was
adopted for sample collection, a net quantity of 10 kg of
sample was collected at each Town panchayats and then
samples were segregated into constituents like organic waste,
Plastic, Paper, Rubber, Glass, Silt, Metals and Cloth. The
segregated components were then weighed using a rough
balance after that the samples were covered by using black
wrappers and then analysed of chemical parameters (Bulk
density, Moisture content, pH, Loss of Ignition, Ash content,

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Volume 3, Issue 9, September – 2018 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
Total Organic Carbon, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium,
Potassium, Sulphate, Phosphate, and Total Nitrogen) for all
the samples based on Indian Standard Methods. Compost
samples were collected from each dump yard from
composting bed, was then brought to the laboratory for
characterization analysis.
C. Analysis of Samples
The analyses were done in triplicates. The collected
solid waste samples were analyzed for various Physico-
chemical characteristics such as Bulk density (Pycnometric
method), Moisture content (dried at 105ºC to constant weight
by gravimetric method), pH (1:5 water extract by pH meter),
Ash Content (dried at 550ºC to constant weight by
gravimetric method), Total organic carbon (cold oxidation
with potassium dichromate Walkey and Black method),
Calcium and Magnesium (1N ammonium acetate, EDTA
method), Sodium and Potassium (1N ammonium acetate
extract using flame photometer method), Sulphate (1:5 water
extract for Barium Chloride method); Phosphorus (tri acid
mixture with a aqua digestion), Total Nitrogen (Kjeldhal
method) using standard procedures for analysis [6] [7] [8].
III. DISCUSSION
A. Physical Parameters
Characterization of solid waste for physical and
chemical constituents was analysed as per NEERI methods. It
can be observed that approximately 68.66 percent waste
comprises organic waste, such as households commercial
shop, hotel & restaurants, markets and mass storage units,
institutions and offices etc.
Samples were collected from different sectors of
municipality and analyzed. The results were given in the
Figure 1-3. From the segregation it was clear that most of the
waste contained biodegradable waste within the range of 56-
80%. Silt was found to be the second most common waste
which was in 13%. The rest were found below 10% and least
was rubber, metal and cloth (below 1%) in minor quantities.
All the physical parameters were found to be within the
standard range which proves that the waste causes only
minimal impact to the surrounding environment. Similar
study was carried out which shows that the solid waste type
was observed to comprise of glass (1.1%), metal (0.58%),
paper (3.9%) and other waste (0.27%).
B. Chemical Parameters
Colour- In prima facie, the colour shade of the solid
waste is earthy dark when days have been expanded there is
no significant colour changes noted. Infect, the shade of
compost samples changed from brown to dark brown or
almost black over 90 days. The change in colour code is
brought by humus present in the sample.
The mass of soil sample in a given volume is measured
as Bulk Density. Between 600 and 700 kg per cubic meter of
bulk density should be present in the solid waste material [9].
Moisture content is a measure of the quantity of dampness or
water contained in a solid waste sample. Fresh waste
contained 11.6-36.8% of moisture. During thermophilic
phase, there is decline in the moisture content percentage has
been recorded [9]. Bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes that do
composting require hydroscopic water around the organic
IJISRT18SP69 www.ijisrt.com
ISSN No:-2456-2165
particles to survive. If the moisture content is below 45%,
there is insufficient water around the particles for the
microorganisms to live. Loss of Ignition (LOI) is a simple
method for determining ash content, and by reciprocation,
organic matter content of solid waste. Organic matter is
nothing but carbon based materials in the solid waste [10].
Organic matter is an important component of solid waste,
which influences maintaining soil structure, nutrient
availability and water holding capacity. High quality compost
will usually have a minimum of 50 % organic content based
on dry weight. Part of the carbon in the decomposing
residues evolved as CO2 and a part was assimilated by the
microbial biomass [11].
pH (IS: 10158, 1982) is a measure of acidic or alkaline
nature of the sample. The pH of the fresh sample was
estimated for the all samples in comparison with
recommended standards [12]. In general the pH of compost
lies between 6 and 8 with compost made from home
(municipal/residential solid waste) showing a mean pH of 7.0
to 7.5 (neutral). Calcium and magnesium act as bases if they
exist as oxides, hydroxides and carbonates. During the
analysis, calcium concentrations of solid samples varied from
0.16 to 27.89%, in comparison with recommended standards
[13] [14].
The observation on sulphate varied from 0.21 to 2.38
%. The dissimilarity of sulphate concentrations depends on
the decomposition of organic matter present in the solid
wastes. In anaerobic decomposition of solid wastes, hydrogen
sulphide is reduced from sulphate, causing odious olfaction
and nurture corrosion [14]. Phosphorous is further notable
nutrient for normal plant growth, photosynthesis and
maturity. Total phosphorous (P) is expressed most often in
terms of percentage concentration per dry weight. The total
phosphorous concentration varied from 0.12 to 1.21 %, in
comparison with recommended standards [12].
Both Sodium and Potassium have high source in nature
during decomposition which get solublised and gets readied
for leaching. High concentration of sodium may alter the soil
composition and make soil more alkaline ultimately become
infertile. The desirable effect of potassium is similar to
sodium. The adverse effects on human beings by potassium
are unidentified.
The chance of Lead (as Pb) contamination in solid
waste is from usage of lead batteries, paints, agricultural
runoff that contains pesticide. A small amount of lead
exposure is still of concern due to health and environmental
effects. The Arsenic (as As) concentration is 0 mg/kg in the
result. There are tens of thousands of arsenic contaminated
sites worldwide, with arsenic concentrations as high as 26.5
mg/kg (Hingston, 2001). Iron (as Fe) is essential part of
nitrogen-fixing in legume crops. The concentration of iron
was found to be within the range 91.15 mg/kg. Excessive
iron availability at lower soil pH may limit phosphorus
availability (James W. Travis et al, 2003). From the compost
sample, Zinc (as Zn) was estimated 60.34 mg/kg. The
Chromium (as Cr6+) may be carcinogenic while crossing the
standard limits (Raman). The cadmium is very dangerous if it
is chronically exposure causes kidney damage, lungs, bone
damage and others health aliments. Cadmium (as Cd) is of
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Volume 3, Issue 9, September – 2018 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
particular concern in plants, since it accumulates in leaves at human beings, Copper toxicity in humans results in
very high levels. It may affect the animal feeding on crops abnormalities of kidney functions (Sharma and Gupta, 2006).
grown on solid waste treated soil. The concentration of In the present investigation, the mercury concentration was
Copper (as Cu) is 20.01 mg/kg with maximum at 90 days found to be from 0 mg/kg in the compost samples.
compost sample. Copper is integral part of many enzymes in

Plastic

Rubbe
Locati

Paper

Metal
degra

Cloth
Glass
dable
ons

Bio

Silt
r
1 72.34 8.03 2.87 0.26 0.49 13.63 0.35 2
2 74.11 5.98 2.64 0.94 0.62 14.7 0.24 0.74
3 77.14 2.02 2.73 0.76 0.89 14.46 0.55 1.42
4 70.09 10.07 1.91 0.90 0.35 14.1 0.06 2.50
5 80.03 2.03 1.24 0.2 0.97 14.16 0.41 0.94
6 63.59 24.70 4.11 0.7 0.97 0.07 0.34 5.5
7 56.48 8.33 8.86 3.83 2.46 14.36 1.41 4.23
8 64.66 11.14 4.56 0.37 1.56 14.18 0.43 3.07
9 66.88 10.04 4.28 0.53 0.79 13.83 0.60 3.02
10 67.77 7.78 3.97 1.23 1.1 14.34 1.44 2.34
11 62.24 11.07 5.57 0.37 1.54 14.6 0.57 4.02
Table 1. Table shows segregation details in percentage (%).

1. Aravakurichy, 2. Marudur, 3. Krishnarayapuram,

4. Nangavaram, 5. P.J.Cholapuram, 6. Pallapatti, 7.
Puliyur, 8. Punjai Thottakurichy, 9. PunjaiPugalur, 10.
TNPL Pugalur, 11. Uppidamangalam

400 Total Nitrogen

300 (%)
200 Phosphate (%)
100
0
PunjaiThott…

Sulphate (%)
Nangavaram
Marudur

TNPL Pugalur
Pallapatti

Fig 3:- Shows Physico-chemical characteristics in Dump

Yard
Potassium (%)
IV. COMPOST
S.No Parameters Unit Results
Fig 1:- Shows physico-chemical characteristics in 1. pH - 7.44
residential area 2. Moisture % 20.36
3. Total Organic Carbon % 10.84
4. Ash Content % 7.80
350 5. Bulk Density Kg/m3 0.81
300 Total Nitrogen 6. Loss on Ignition % 2.28
250 (%) 7. Sulphate as SO4 mg/kg 590
200 8. Calcium as Ca mg/kg 19120
150 Phosphate (%) 9. Magnesium as Mg mg/kg 2420
100 10. Total Nitrogen as N % 1.18
50 11. Phosphorous as PO4 mg/kg 8.86
0 Sulphate (%) 12. Sodium as Na % 0.35
PunjaiThottak…
Nangavaram
Marudur

Pallapatti

TNPL Pugalur

13. Potassium as K % 1.0

14. C:N Ratio - 12:1
Potassium (%) 15. Lead as Pb mg/kg 3.14
16. Nickel as Ni mg/kg 9.01
17. Arsenic as As mg/kg BDL (DL:0.001)
18. Iron as Fe mg/kg 91.15
19. Zinc as Zn mg/kg 60.34
20. Cadmium as Cd mg/kg BDL (DL:0.01)
Fig 2:- Shows Physico-chemical characteristics in 21. Manganese as Mn mg/kg 119.1
Commercial area 22. Copper as Cu mg/kg 20.01
23. Chromium as Cr mg/kg BDL (DL:0.1)
24. Mercury as Hg mg/kg BDL (DL:0.1)
Table 2. Shows compost over 90 days collected from
dumpyard.

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Volume 3, Issue 9, September – 2018
V. CONCLUSION
From elucubration, the Physico-chemical parameters
such as Bulk Density, pH, Moisture, Loss of Ignition, Total
Organic Carbon, Calcium, Magnesium, Sodium,
Potassium, Sulphate, Phosphate, Total Nitrogen were
agreed with Ohai-EPA standards. There was hardly any
impact on environment was noticed. All kind of wastes are
being dumped at dump yard without any segregation which
make treatment process more complicate than actual.
Hence the municipality instantly needs to improve public
awareness on Municipal Solid Waste generation especially
the concept of 5r’s such as Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Replace
& Recycle at all levels of society. As far as plastic
management is concern, nothing is done. It is simply
dumped as such. In few places Municipal Solid Waste is
ablaze along with plastic bags, rubber which causes air
contamination in nearby areas. So eco friendly plastic
management plan must also be implemented forthwith like
“Green Shopping”.
Compost sample can be applied to agricultural land
as it contains essential micro and macro nutrients which
facilitate plant growth, enriches soil, retain moisture,
increase soil texture and suppress plant diseases, pests and
reduces methane emissions from landfills. It is worth
noting that compost is highly recommended to use as
manure for agricultural land since it contains essential
micro and macro nutrients sufficiently.
VI. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors extend their sincere thanks to the
officials and workers at the Karur town panchayat for their
support and the staff members of the Department of
Environmental Science, PSG College of Arts and Science
for providing research facilities to carry out work.
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International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
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